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Lawmakers press options for transportation revenue as road‑usage charge and ferries draw debate
Summary
Legislators at a pre‑session briefing debated ways to close transportation funding gaps: a phased road‑usage charge (RUC) proposed for hybrids/EVs, alternate revenue ideas including sales‑tax changes, and questions over ferry conversions and possible use of Climate Commitment Act funds to accelerate projects.
Pressed by reporters about rising construction costs and declining gas‑tax revenue, several state lawmakers at the briefing said the transportation system needs new, sustainable revenue sources and clearer priorities.
Senator Elias framed the issue behind the discussion: "If our revenue is down and costs are up, then that means, yes, we need revenue as a part of that," he said, emphasizing the combination of higher construction inflation and lower motor‑fuel tax receipts.
Representative Jake Fye said he will introduce a bill within the first three weeks of session that aims for a phased RUC. "It will be a phased approach because Department of Licensing couldn't absorb a momentary switch over to this," he said, describing an initial voluntary period to establish the system and a later mandatory phase for hybrids and electric vehicles.
Supporters argued RUC can make contributions fairer across vehicle types. "If you have a 1985 vehicle with low fuel efficiency, you're paying more for the roads than someone who can afford to buy a brand‑new internal combustion engine," Representative Fye said.
Skeptics raised cost, administrative and equity questions. Senator King warned about collection costs and restrictions from previously committed revenue sources, and suggested alternatives such as gradual increases in sales tax on vehicles. One lawmaker estimated the administrative cost to collect a RUC could be closer to 10–12% of revenue rather than the 8% reported by the Transportation Commission.
Ferries and the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) also featured prominently. Lawmakers said bids for new ferries will determine schedules and costs; some urged caution about converting existing vessels during periods of high demand. Senator Barkas and others said CCA auction funds have a climate‑related spending directive and should not be repurposed lightly, while others said targeted use of those dollars could accelerate critical projects like culvert fixes or getting additional ferries in service sooner.
Panelists repeatedly stressed the need for bipartisan frameworks and public engagement. Several legislators pointed to pilot programs in other states as a model for implementation and said technical and equity issues must be resolved before a full transition away from the gas tax.
Next steps: lawmaker sponsors plan stakeholder meetings, bill drops in early session for a phased RUC approach, and procurement/bid results for new ferries are expected in the coming months; those numbers will shape final legislative proposals.
